Learning Center brings together education, fun
Play group created for children with disabilities
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers STARTING OUT RIGHT- Kira Hatch, a First 5 Early Interventionist, helps Jeremiah Villaseñor, 2, pour a cup of water during Monday's snacktime at First 5 in Camarillo.

Yvette Villaseñor knew something was wrong with her youngest child.

Despite the pediatrician's assurances that Jeremiah was developing normally, Villaseñor still had doubts.

The mother of four children ages 2½ to 18, Villaseñor knew children develop at different rates, but Jeremiah hadn't spoken a word until he was 18 months old, and even then he'd only say "mommy" and "daddy."

"I knew in my gut something was wrong; I just didn't know what it was," the Camarillo resident said.

Suspecting Jeremiah was autistic, Villaseñor took him to see another pediatrician.

The doctor also suspected the boy had developmental problems and recommended a hearing test and evaluation by the TriCounties Regional Center, a statecontracted organization that provides support services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Jeremiah, though not autistic, is developmentally delayed and eligible for therapeutic services, including Easter Seals' Toddler Learning Center playgroup.

The 2½yearold has been attending the new Camarillo playgroup since it began Nov. 5. Within the month's time Jeremiah made progress, Villaseñor said.

He's talking more; his words are more understandable, and he's able to sit still and follow the teacher's directions, she said.

"I'm really relieved now," Villaseñor said. "It's not easy, but he's improving."

Pam Burns, an occupational therapist and Easter Seals' clinical director for child development services, said the structured 75minute playtime helps the toddlers develop language as well as sensory-motor, gross-motor and fine-motor skills.

The playgroup also benefits parents of special needs children.

Villaseñor said it was uncomfortable for the mothers to talk to each another in the beginning because they felt guilty.

"It's almost like an unspoken taboo," Villaseñor said. "As moms we take it on as something we did . . . (when) in all actuality, it's really not our fault."

Now, after four weeks together, the women lend each other emotional and moral support and exchange information about resources. For example, Villaseñor told the other parents about a children's DVD that's helping Jeremiah say the alphabet.

Very young children with special needs receive therapeutic services in-home instead of at a clinic; as a result, parents may feel socially disconnected. Meeting with other parents in the playgroup, however, can give them the sense of community they lack, Burns said.

"I think it's one of the most crucial things. . . . It's really an important part of that group process," Burns said.

The Camarillo playgroup meets Monday afternoons at First 5 offices, 3687 E. Las Posas Road, and is one of three Toddler Learning Center playgroups Easter Seals operates in Ventura County. For more information on the program, call Pam Burns at (805) 647-1141, ext. 15.